Evaluating Cultural Heritage Vulnerability and Flood Exposure in the Vesdre Valley, Belgium: A Dataset from the 2021 Flood Event

Description

This dataset provides comprehensive data on cultural heritage (CH) vulnerability and flood risk analysis for the Vesdre Valley in Belgium. The study area covers approximately 700 km², with the River Vesdre flowing 70 km through the region. The dataset includes information on the impacts of the July 2021 flood event, specifically the low-pressure system ‘Bernd,’ which caused severe flooding in several European regions, including the Vesdre Valley. Data Sources: • Spatial Data: Official flood hazard map updated on 7 July 2022, based on field surveys, drone imagery, and spatial interpolation. Data available from the Wallonia geoportal WalOnMap and the local statistical information portal WalStat. • Statistical Units: The dataset is organized by 531 statistical units, with varying sizes from 4 to 5851 ha. Key statistics include the number of households and areas affected by the flood. Data Processing and Analysis: • Software Used: QGIS for data processing and visualization, RStudio for statistical analysis. • Analytical Framework: Includes CH concentration mapping, vulnerability classification using principal component analysis (PCA), socio-economic disparity assessment, and household exposure analysis. • Metrics Calculated: Gross and net concentration of CH assets, area-based vulnerability, socio-economic deprivation index, and comparative environmental risk index (CERI). Methodology: 1. Gross and Net Concentration: Calculation of CH concentration by statistical unit, considering both point data (designated heritage) and area-based data (heritage sites). 2. Vulnerability Analysis: Assessment of CH and area-based vulnerabilities using spatial and statistical methods. 3. Socio-economic Disparity: Analysis based on 23 indicators of socio-economic status. 4. Exposure to Flooding: Calculation of household exposure and correlation with CH vulnerability. 5. Comparative Environmental Risk Index: Analysis of the relationship between socio-economic deprivation, CH vulnerability, and flood exposure. Results: • Concentration of CH: Spatial distribution of built and natural heritage assets in the Vesdre Valley, highlighting areas with high concentration and vulnerability. • Flood Impact: Analysis of flood effects on CH assets and socio-economically deprived populations, with a focus on areas requiring targeted interventions. • Multidimensional Vulnerability: Integration of CH vulnerability, area-based vulnerability, and socio-economic deprivation to identify high-risk zones. Contact Information: For any queries regarding the dataset, please contact: GINZARLY Manal University of Liège Manal.Ginzarly@uliege.be ORCID iD 0000-0003-3693-9258

Steps to reproduce

Data Acquisition Data Sources • Download Data: Obtain the dataset from Wallonia geoportal WalOnMap and the local statistical information portal on Wallonia WalStat. • Thematic Indicators and Data Types • Cultural Heritage o Designated Buildings: Point-based spatial data representing specific buildings designated as heritage sites. o Listed Buildings: Point-based spatial data for buildings that are officially listed as heritage sites. o Buildings Dating from Before 1950: Area-based spatial data indicating the presence of buildings constructed before 1950. o Heritage Sites: Area-based spatial data for sites recognized for their heritage significance. • Natural Heritage o Natural Heritage: Area-based spatial data for areas designated as natural heritage sites. • Flooded Area: Area-based spatial data showing areas impacted by flooding • Vulnerability Indicators o Buildings: Area-based spatial data indicating buildings affected by flooding. o Commerce: Point-based spatial data for commercial establishments impacted by the flood. o Critical Services: Point-based spatial data for essential services (e.g., hospitals, schools) affected by the flood. • Socio-economic Deprivation Indicators o Origin and Nationality: Area-based spatial data reflecting the demographic composition regarding origin and nationality. o Taxable Income Level: Area-based spatial data showing income levels within different regions. o Unemployment and Participation Rate: Area-based spatial data related to unemployment rates and labor force participation. o Households with Social Security Income: Area-based spatial data showing households receiving social security income. • Households Exposure Indicators Flooded Households: Spatial data indicating households affected by flooding. File Formats File Formats: GIS datasets are provided in .shp format. CSV files are provided in .csv format. Excel sheets are provided in .xlsx format. • Shapefiles: Include spatial data for point-based and area-based indicators. • CSV: Comprises attribute data related to socio-economic factors and point-based and area-based indicators.

Institutions

Categories

Funding

Licence